Friday and Sunday night at 6, Saturday at 1 on WZUM.

Marty Ashby and Renêe Govanucci recently returned from a trip to Japan with Ken Kimery and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. The experience brought to the fore some of the phenomenal jazz artists from Japan, and reminded Marty and Renée of the many artists who’ve visited and recorded at MCG Jazz in Pittsburgh.

and Jazz Oral History Program at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington joins Marty Ashby for an exploration of jazz influences and innovators.

A jazz superstar in Japan, saxophonist Sadao Watanabe leads off the sounds with an album recorded live with strings. plus the great composer, arranger and bandleader Toshiko Akioshi. Both were early attendees of the Berklee School of Music, something rare in the 50’s and early 60’s - but there would be more.

Pianist Makoto Ozone learned at Berklee, and performed extensively with the Berklee School’s longtime jazz program leader Gary Burton.

Other musical matches include Bob James & Keiko Matsui, as recorded at MCG Jazz in Pittsburgh.

Plus, pianist Hiromi (who has been championed by Pittburgh’s Ahmad Jamal), guitarist Ryo Kawasaki and trumpeter Terumasa Hino.

The MCG Jazz Spotlight Hour - Friday and Sunday night at 6, Saturday afternoon at 1 on WZUM!